Relying upon that liberality of sentiment you are universally considered to possess, I have presumed thus to address your Excellency to solicite your indulgence in the following request, which if you are good enough to grant, I shall ever retain a due sense of.

By the fortune of War I was taken prisoner under Lord Cornwallis at York in Virginia. I have an Uncle in St Mary’s County Maryland, John [Somervell] by name, whom I never saw, but as I have often heard my Mother mention him with great tenderness and affection. I am acceedingly desirous to pay him a visit,could I be so happy Sir, as to obtain your permission for that purpose.

As my request can in noways affect the Publick, and as I should hold a Parole in St Mary’s County, as sacred as in any other part of the Continent, I flatter myself General Washington will not give me a refusal. I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant,